Today, we said goodbye to Dad. Thankfully...it won't be forever. While his body here on earth wore out, we know that his heart lives on and he is with Jesus. we WILL see him, again one day. I think today was the hardest day of my life....watching Hans bury his Daddy. I know it was for Honey. He was so prepared and calm and together, yet he longed for his Dad and it showed as he read the eulogy. Hans paid tribute to his Dad with an amazing video of his life, set to music. Everything from birth to death, and all the possible moments in between. Military pics, ball pics, ballet recitals, coaching, weddings, working on cars, working on houses, church functions etc. It truly was an incredible snapshot of Dad's life and who he lived for-others. He was a servant a leader, a giver, and a humble man. Always putting others first, and always taking a back seat. It was a great tribute. For me, the most heart wrenching moment of the funeral came when Hans stood back at attention, paid one final last respect to Dad and saluted him. That image will forever be ingrained in my memory. Goodbye for now Dad....we love you.

Mini-Me

This is a picture of Joyanna and Daddy. It was taken one day after he came home for
R & R. Don't you think they look just alike? What a pair! We call Joyanna "Little Hans" or "Mini-me". I hope she grows up to do more than just look like him..I hope she has his great character too!

Welcome Home Hans

Today is the day. Honey came home. Although it's a little different than I had planned, I am thankful and happy. I hate that he came home under such sad circumstances, but my heart is filled with joy at the thought of seeing his handsome face, and having him in my arms once again. He was to arrive in VA at 3:30 PM, but being the little sneak that he is....he caught an earlier flight and arrived at 9:55 AM! I was no where near ready! So, I sent everyone off to church, and jumped in the shower. I got ready, Uncle Don handed me the GPS, and I handed him the "Welcome Home" sign to hang while I went to the airport. The airport is about an hour away. I think I broke EVERY speed limit and ran EVERY red light there was to get to Hans. When I finally arrived, I went up the escalator with butterflies in my tummy. As soon as I arrived at the top, there he was. My groom. My handsome. My soldier. I love that man!
We went and ate at Olive Garden. Then on to the house where a bunch of family was waiting for him. I am so glad he got a big welcome from his mom, and uncles and aunts. Just wish his Daddy could have been there too. Some of my favorite pics are of Hans and the girls. I don't think I have EVER seen Hannah that happy. Sammy RAN to daddy and threw herself into his arms. And little Joyanna even rested her head on daddy's shoulder. Such sweet memories.....Welcome Home Honey. We missed you!

The call....

Today started out like any other day. There were errands to run, things to acomplish and lots of busyness. We are getting ready for Honey to come home on R & R. We have plans to meet Mom & Dad Ruska at the beach. They just bought their tickets last night. Only things started to look a little different at dinner time. Mom called and was on her way to the salon. She said she'd call me back after. After the girls and I ate, she called. She said dad was not feeling well and she was nervous. She said he was "tired...tired....tired...he was not responsive to her talking, and was slumped over". She had just called 911. I talked to her all the way to the hosiptal. We were praying and I kept telling her were going to "trust God". Funny how, looking back, I never said that "he would be just fine"....a little weird too. She asked me to make a Red Cross call to Honey. I got off the phone and did just that. A few moments later, I received the dreaded call. Papa had gone to be with Jesus. He had stepped over time, and into eternity with his Lord. Words cannot express my sadness for Mom & Hans. How in the world can I break this news to my beloved, when he is 7,000 miles away? I can't even hug him. I can't console him. All I can do is pray. And "trust God". And so we shall.

Red, White and Bl...blood.

Hannah and Malia are best friends. Malia and her family live right across the street. Our two families have so much in common. Malia's daddy is a chaplain, her mom homeschools, Malia has all sisters etc. We love the Saldanas! This Fourth of July, Rochelle invited us over to swim and play. All the girls were having a great time! Malia and Hannah were swimming, sharing secrets and being sweet little girls. Then they decided to jump up and down and sing. Well....Hannah jumped up, Malia came down....and well....you can pretty much figure out the rest-Malia's teeth met Hannah's head. Blood went everywhere. There were screams, there were tears, and of course lots of hugging and "I'm sorrys'. Rochelle was so calm and I followed her lead. She was great during the chaos. All in all, it ended fine. No one needed stitches, everyone got ice applied to the boo-boos and dessert. And the girls are STILL the best of friends!